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Key Points

Key Takeaways

  • 1

    Ride the Future

  • 2

    VanMoof S5: Resurrection from bankruptcy. Repair network is maintained, returned as strongest 'Smart Bike'. Pleasure of Kick Lock is one and only

  • 3

    LUUP: Infrasturcture already. Port density exceeded convenience store (Tokyo). Intelligence of option 'Not Owning'

  • 4

    Gachaco (Honda): Battery exchange type scooter. Charging waiting time zero. Can be used not only for Uber Eats delivery staff but also for engineer's commuting

Introduction: Hacking Travel Time

Is commuting time “Dead time”? It may be so in crowded train. But it is different on E-Bike. Feel wind, see city. Time when brain is refreshed and idea falls.

For engineers in urban areas, choice of means of transportation is choice of lifestyle itself.

1. The Owner’s Choice: VanMoof S5

Beautiful design called “Tesla of bicycle world”. After bankruptcy in 2023, resurrected under umbrella of McLaren (Lavoie).

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VanMoof S5

Unlocked when approaching with smartphone, locked when leaving. 'Kick Lock' that can be locked just by kicking rear wheel is addictive. Theft compensation also resurrected, and GPS tracking team (Bike Hunters) regains your bike.

Amazon

Why S5?

  • Turbo Boost : When button on handle is pressed, electric motor accelerates. Slope becomes flat ground.
  • Anti-Theft : When stolen, bike itself shouts “I was stolen!” loudly.

2. The Shared Choice: LUUP

In 2026, ports of LUUP became more than “7-Eleven”.

  • No Maintenance : No need for flat tire repair or battery charging.
  • One Way : LUUP for going, taxi for returning. Can be changed flexibly according to weather and mood.
  • Cost : Cheaper than train if short distance. However, there is branch point where buying VanMoof becomes cheaper if used every day.

3. Comparison: Ownership vs Sharing

項目 VanMoof (Own) LUUP (Share)
Initial Cost High ($2000~) Zero
Driving Performance Best Normal
Maintenance Necessary Unnecessary
Possession Desire Satisfied None

4. The Future: Battery Swapping (Gachaco)

Common standard battery “Gachaco” agreed by Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, Kawasaki. If it is electric scooter compatible with this, just “Exchange with fully charged battery” at station in city. Charging time is 0 seconds.

Conclusion: Compile City

Let’s stop riding “Fixed rail (Hard code)” called train. E-Mobility is “Dynamic Routing” to explore city freely.

New cafe, silence of back street. There is discovery not listed in Google Maps there.

# mobility # ebike # vanmoof # luup # tokyo # 2026